Delmarva Politicians Remember President George H.W. Bush

SALISBURY, Md.- In the hours after former President George H.W. Bush's passing, Delmarva's congressional representatives remembered America's 41st president.

On Facebook, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen wrote: "George H.W. Bush served our country with dignity, integrity, and a commitment to American values—from his courage in WWII to many other positions in government to the White House. He understood the virtues of civility and mutual respect in public life. He will be greatly missed. Katherine and I send our condolences to the entire Bush family."

Van Hollen's counterpart, Senator Ben Cardin, wrote on Twitter: "America has lost a true public servant and a statesman. He understood the meaning of sacrifice and the need to put country before self. You did not have to agree with President George H.W. Bush to respect him and his love for our country. My condolences go out to his family."

Maryland's Eastern Shore Representative Andy Harris also tweeted "I am saddened to hear of the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush. He was a man of honor and courage, and he cared deeply for his family and his country. Rest in peace."

"Few U.S. Presidents have faced the momentous shifts in geopolitics faced by President George Herbert Walker Bush. From the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany to nuclear non-proliferation agreements with the Soviet Union and the Persian Gulf War, President Bush advanced American interests and values.

"He dedicated his life to public service. His service as a Navy pilot in World War II, U.S. Congressman, Ambassador to the UN and to China, director of the CIA, Vice President, and as our 41st President, as well as his lifelong commitment to volunteerism and service, all demonstrate his dedication to and love for our country. I send my most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the entire Bush family.

"I hope that the character and pragmatism with which President Bush lived his life returns to American politics. He was an example for us all."

Senator Thomas Carper wrote:

"I am saddened to learn of the passing of President George H.W. Bush. He was a true public servant who dedicated his life to our country — as a decorated Navy pilot in World War II, as a representative for the people of Texas, as a diplomat, as a leader in our intelligence community, as Vice President and as our President. He loved this country. He believed in our institutions and in the strength of the American spirit. And he exemplified what it truly means to be a leader.

"Above all, though, President George H.W. Bush was a good man who treated others with kindness and respect — regardless of their politics. We could all learn from the example he set, and we could use more like him right now, on both sides of the aisle.

"There will be much more that I will want to say about President Bush's legacy in the days and weeks to come as we honor his memory. For now, Martha and I send our sincerest condolences to the Bush family and pray that President George H.W. Bush may rest in peace."

Delaware Governor John Carney issued that all Delaware flags be at half-staff due to Bush's death. Flags in Delaware will be at half staff until December 30th. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan did the same, also issuing a lengthy statement:

"It is with incredible sadness that we learn of the passing of President George H.W. Bush, a true patriot and statesman who embodied the decency and selfless service of America's Greatest Generation.

"As a decorated World War II veteran and Navy pilot, a two-term congressman who served alongside my dad in the U.S. House of Representatives, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and Ambassador to the United Nations, he built his lasting reputation as the consummate public servant. As our nation's 43rd vice president and 41st president, who helped bring an end to the Cold War, President Bush solidified his legacy of principled, pragmatic, and compassionate leadership.

"George H.W. Bush's lifetime of service and decades of dedication to honor and duty leave an indelible mark on our nation and on our hearts. He will always represent the very best America has to offer in public life: toughness with civility, firmness with kindness, and strength of conviction with force of character.

"The First Lady and I join all Marylanders in sending our deepest condolences to the Bush family as they - and our entire nation - mourn this great loss. We all take comfort knowing that he is joining his beloved wife, Barbara."

The governor directed American and Maryland flags be flown at half-staff immediately through December 30th to mark President George H.W. Bush's passing."

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam also declared flags be at half-staff and said in a statement: “President George H.W. Bush led a remarkable life, marked by his devotion to his beloved wife Barbara, commitment to public service, and unwavering decency to others. May we all take a page from his book. Pam and I extend our thoughts to the Bush family during this time of loss."

Virginia Senator Mark Warner's statement read as follows:

"George H.W. Bush was a class act -- a person of tremendous strength and moral character who exemplified the values of public service. There can be no question that his highest commitment was always to our country and to our values -- to justice, freedom, and the rights of human beings everywhere. My thoughts are with the Bush family at this time of loss."

Senator Tim Kaine, Warner's counterpart, issued the following statement: “President Bush stands as a model of dignity in public service. Whether flying 58 combat missions in World War II, signing the Americans with Disabilities Act, or bringing the Cold War to a peaceful end, he carried his accomplishments with unparalleled humility. He lived a long life devoted to his country, dying old and full of days. I am saddened by his passing, and my condolences go out to the Bush family.”

Virginia's 2nd District Representative Scott Taylor wrote on Facebook: "A warrior statesman who shall be remembered as a committed patriot, servant, and son of America. History will be kind and deferential to 41. RIP."

Delaware Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester also wrote on Facebook: "President George H.W. Bush was the very definition of a public servant. From overseeing a peaceful end to the Cold War to signing the Americans with Disabilities Act, his accomplishments were many, and I will always remember him for his humility and patriotism."

Delaware Gov. John Carney gave his state of the state address Thursday afternoon. (Photo: WBOC)

Delaware Gov. John Carney gave his state of the state address Thursday afternoon. (Photo: WBOC)

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